Q&A: Human Dignity
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Human Dignity
Question
Passing an object directly from hand to hand with a menstruating woman: she is embarrassed that everyone will see that she is currently in her state of menstrual impurity.
[True, this is a natural condition and not her fault, and still she is embarrassed.]
Would it be permitted to pass it directly in order to spare her dignity?
Answer
Yes. Human dignity overrides “do not deviate.” Even according to Maimonides, who holds that hugging and kissing are Torah-level prohibitions, that was not said about mere touch.